Statement of Purpose

The primary purpose of an internship in public history is to give students professional, hands-on experience in their chosen field and to help them make professional contacts. Students will propose a project in cooperation with a professional supervisor at an historic site, museum, cultural resource management firm, preservation group, government agency, non-profit, or consulting group. An internship is an opportunity to apply some of the research and interpretive skills learned in the classroom to a public setting.

Credit Hours

3 credit hours/15 hours a week for 14 weeks during the fall and spring semesters and 15-40 hours a week during summer semester. For three credits, students need a minimum of 210 hours interned during the semester. Graduate students in public history are required to complete one 3-credit internship.

Checklist

Prior to Internship

1. Meet with Dr. M.J. Rymsza-Pawlowska to discuss your internship search. Remember many internships have application deadlines months in advance of the start date. So start early!
2. Consult the University Rules and Regulations for Internships.
3. Complete an Internship Proposal (To Dr. Rymsza-Pawlowska).
4. Have your intern supervisor fill out the Job Description Form (To Dr. Rymsza-Pawlowska).
5. Once approved, you must register for the internship. Fill out the Internship Registration and the Consent and Release forms.

During Internship

1. Meet with Dr. Rymsza-Pawlowska prior to the start of the semester to obtain a copy of the HIST 691 syllabus and set up a meeting schedule.
2. In consultation with your intern supervisor and Dr. Rymsza-Pawlowska, develop a short reading list of books and articles to support your internship.
3. Submit four reflection pieces that address questions posed by Dr. Rymsza-Pawlowska.
4. Write final reflection essay critically evaluating internship experience.
5. The AU Career Center will send an evaluation form directly to your internship supervisor. Remind your supervisor that the evaluation form must be returned to the Career Center in order for you to receive a final grade. Evaluations will be confidential unless your supervisor requests that it be shared with you.